May 15, 2013 - On May 13 Atlas Township resident David Conklin was appointed director of the Genesee District Library. He becomes the fifth director of the 19 branches, including the Goodrich Library.

"The library is the center of any community," said Conklin, an Oakland County native, with a Master of Libary Information Science degree from Wayne State University along with an undergraduate degree from Siena Heights (Adrian, Mich.).

"In addition to visiting one of our branches, residents are also finding the library on-line, virtual branch, to check out books—those services are just booming right now. We have adapted and embraced the new information technology."

Conklin was the former director of the Shelby Township Library, a position he held for five years. In addition, Conklin worked for 19 years at the Oakland County Library (Pontiac), several years at the Cromaine District Library (Hartland), and a brief stint at the Independence Township Library.

"This is the information age in which we live," he said. "My long interest in libraries stems from assisting people while they strive to deal with information—the Genesee District Library does that really well. In the future, funding and budget issues will be a concern—my objective will be to implement a plan that keeps the services provided with an eye to the future."

He replaces GDL Director Carolyn Nash, who retired as director on April 30 after 25 years of service

Conklin said that Genesee District Library already has several strengths— partnering with local communities, reaching out to the public, and using modern technology with eBooks, overdrive services, and a virtual branch that allows library members to check out books, download music, and research online at all hours.